To the Editor:
In The Dartmouth's May 5 issue, the editorial board criticized Rukmini Sichitiu '95 and Yvonne Chiu '95 ("Research Must Precede Reform") for forming a coalition of students who are attempting to take action on the current sexual assault/Committee On Standards debate without first adequately researching these issues.
Ah, the irony is that much thicker.
By expressing their views in the editorial, The Dartmouth became guilty of the same misinformed action they were condemning.
The Dartmouth, by choosing to make this a "side" issue, is simply miring the concerns of students in a mass of political goo. Before the editors turn this into an issue of which campus leaders to support instead of focusing on the feelings of the women involved, I feel that a few misconceptions must be addressed.
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There are not two coalitions. The people involved in this issue are simply concerned students who want to focus on the issue of sexual assault and the COS process. Although some students choose to focus on the informational aspect and some choose to focus on the action aspect, the ultimate goal, that of helping the victims of sexual assault, is still the same.
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Both the informational-based group and the action-based group are working together to provide information and suggestions. There are no antagonisms. Both groups support the work of the other.
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The action-based group is not making misinformed decisions. Before formulating a set of goals, members spent entire days simply bouncing from meeting to meeting with relevant administrators. In addition, the goals for which the group is currently working have been adequately researched. "Reforming the COS" is a quite ambiguous statement. The reforms currently proposed by this group center around getting more information from administrators and students and proposing changes that have to do with misunderstandings that resulted from a particular case.
If there are any reforms proposed or action taken by either group, it will be the result of informed decision-making. In the past week, this issue of sexual assault and COS has been in the forefront of everyone's minds. This time must not be spent in forming a myriad of coalitions who simply hinder progress toward an ultimate goal. This opportunity must be used to allow students to come together and help each other to understand the issues involved and to devise the best solution.
